Southeast Asia, southern Philippines, Sulu Archipelago, Bajau (boat people), ca. mid 20th century CE. A well-preserved example of a hand-carved wooden grave marker or sunduk. The figure presents with a characteristically abstract anthropomorphic form with an oval face, emphasized shoulders, and a slim body. The incised facial features include wide eyes, a triangular nose, and a petite, straight mouth. Carved upon the front of the chest is text that reads: INI SUNDUK HI SAHIBAD. Translation is as follows: INI (this) SUNDUK (grave marker) HI (of) SAHIBAD (persons name). Size: 7.45" W x 30" H (18.9 cm x 76.2 cm)

See a similar example with a boat-shaped base in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 1990.338a, b).

According to the Met's curatorial description, "Like Western gravestones, Bajau grave markers commemorate and mark the resting places of the dead. The markers consist of two components, the kubul, a low openwork fence that surrounds the grave, and the sunduk, an upright element at the center of the enclosure. The form of sunduk reflects the gender of the deceased. Women's sunduk consist of intricately carved openwork planks, while men's are cylindrical and often have a separate base in the form of a ship or stylized animal. Most examples are decorated solely with geometric and floral motifs derived from local Islamic traditions. In rare instances, however, sunduk are carved as human figures that exhibit close stylistic affinities with other indigenous traditions of island Southeast Asia."

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-K. Klassen collection, Washington, USA

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Wood slightly weathered, with a stable fissure down from the top of the head. Otherwise intact with details and text still clear. Rich patina on wood surface.